Streaming TV is a way of watching TV content over the internet, without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. Streaming TV allows viewers to access a variety of content, such as live TV, on-demand video, or original programming, from different platforms and devices. Streaming TV is also known as OTT (over-the-top) TV, because it bypasses the traditional TV providers and offers its content directly to the viewers.
Streaming TV is the future of television because it offers several benefits and advantages over traditional TV. Some of these benefits are:
- Flexibility: Streaming TV allows viewers to watch TV content on any device that can connect to the internet, such as smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, or computers. Streaming TV also allows viewers to choose when and where to watch their favourite content, as well as to pause, rewind, or watch again live TV content using the platform’s DVR functionality.
- Diversity: Streaming TV offers a wide range of content genres and categories, from mainstream to niche, from local to global. Streaming TV also showcases original and exclusive content that may not be available elsewhere, such as Netflix’s Stranger Things, Disney+’s The Mandalorian, or Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso.
- Affordability: Streaming TV provides free or low-cost access to its content, unlike traditional TV services that may charge high fees or require long-term contracts. Streaming TV also generates revenue from various sources, such as advertising, subscriptions, or donations.
Streaming TV is not only popular among viewers, but also among broadcasters and content creators. Streaming TV allows broadcasters and content creators to reach a large and global audience of internet users, as well as to monetize their content through various ad revenue models. Streaming TV also enables broadcasters and content creators to leverage their existing content libraries and create curated channels that cater to different viewer preferences and interests.
Streaming TV is a fast-growing and competitive industry, with many platforms and services available for viewers to choose from. Some of the most popular streaming TV platforms are:
- Netflix: The leading streaming service in the world, with over 200 million subscribers. Netflix offers a variety of content genres and categories, as well as original and exclusive content. Netflix charges a monthly fee for its service, which varies depending on the number of screens and the quality of the video.
- Disney+: The streaming service from Disney that features content from its own brands, such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Disney+ also offers original and exclusive content, such as The Mandalorian, WandaVision, or Loki. Disney+ charges a monthly or annual fee for its service, which includes 4K quality and up to four simultaneous streams.
- Amazon Prime Video: The streaming service from Amazon that features content from various genres and categories, as well as original and exclusive content. Amazon Prime Video is included in the Amazon Prime membership, which also offers other benefits such as free shipping, music streaming, and e-books. Amazon Prime Video also allows users to rent or buy movies and shows that are not included in the service.
- Apple TV+: The streaming service from Apple that features original and exclusive content from various genres and categories. Apple TV+ charges a monthly fee for its service, which includes 4K quality and up to six simultaneous streams. Apple TV+ also offers a free year of subscription for users who buy an Apple device.
- Hulu: The streaming service that features content from various networks and studios, such as ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, and more. Hulu also offers original and exclusive content, such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock, or PEN15. Hulu charges a monthly fee for its service, which varies depending on the ad option and the live TV option.
Streaming TV is a way of watching TV that is more convenient, diverse, and affordable than traditional TV.